'Very heavy traffic' expected at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints during March holidays, says ICA
Singapore authority advises motorists to refrain from queue-cutting, while drivers of foreign vehicles must settle any outstanding fines
SINGAPORE —Travellers planning to visit Malaysia during the upcoming March school holidays should factor in additional waiting time at Singapore's two land checkpoints, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Monday (4 March).
ICA said it is anticipating "very heavy traffic" at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 8 to 18 March, and advises motorists to check the traffic conditions at these checkpoints. It is also urging them to refrain from queue-cutting, as it could lead to severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists.
"Errant motorists caught queue-cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue," ICA said.
Land checkpoints witness over 2.33 million crossings during CNY long weekend
According to ICA, during the recent Chinese New Year long weekend from 8 to 13 February, there were over 2.33 million crossings at land checkpoints. This amounted to an average of almost 390,000 travellers daily, marking a 35 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Some travellers departing by car experienced wait times of up to three hours to clear immigration, as there was a long tailback from Malaysian immigration.
"As such, travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time. We seek their understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with ICA officers," ICA said.
Reminders for foreign vehicle drivers
Motorists driving foreign vehicles are reminded to ensure the validity of their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). ICA added that applications for the permit would no longer be accepted at the checkpoints, as doing so "impedes traffic flow". Those who do not have a valid Autopass card, VEP approval email from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), or valid insurance will be denied entry.
Furthermore, ICA advises drivers of foreign vehicles to settle any outstanding fines, warning that those with unresolved fines might be denied entry into Singapore.
Payment options for such fines include online methods such as AXS kiosks, the AXS website, the AXS mobile app, PayNow, and various relevant agencies’ e-services websites. Offline payment options include visiting the customer service counters of relevant agencies and SingPost outlets.
Travellers are encouraged to seek clarification on any offences from relevant government bodies such as the Singapore Police Force (Traffic Police), Housing Board, LTA, National Environment Agency, and Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Check traffic conditions
Motorists can check the traffic situation at the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints via the One Motoring website or the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE.
They can also get updates through ICA's Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, as well as local radio broadcasts on Kiss92, One 91.3, Hao 96.3 and UFM 100.3 stations.
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